'We were the outcasts'

Love Island best friends Toni Laites, Shakira Khan and Yasmin Pettet on their turbulent time in the villa

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Showing an ultra-edgy, sultry side that seems worlds apart from their days lounging poolside in the villa, Love Island besties Toni Laites, Shakira Khan and Yasmin Pettet strike a bold pose together in these breathtaking new shots.

In the shoot for i-D, this year’s winner Toni, 25, and close pals Shakira, 22, and Yasmin, 24, reveal a radical image transformation, complete with dramatic makeup, high-volume hairdos and bespoke designer clothing. The shoot follows US-born Toni’s rollercoaster win with Cach Mercer earlier this month, which was especially emotional after a brief split during their time on the show.

Keeping the nation entertained throughout Love Island’s 12th series, the trio - affectionately dubbed “the people’s princesses” - forged a tightknit bond and stuck together through explosive bullying rows and a fair share of heartbreak.

With the girls describing their time in the villa as “frosty” and “really tense”, Yasmin - who finished third with Jamie Rhodes - believes the key to their success was being as truthful as possible.

“We never tried to fit in with how everyone else looked or how they acted,” she says. “All three of us just stayed so authentic to ourselves.”